info@businessghana.com
Director-General of Prisons, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, has formally assumed her position as head of the Ghana Prisons Service with a pledge to implement a series of reforms aimed at transforming the prison system into an industrial powerhouse and a centre for rehabilitation, modernisation, and economic contribution.
She also outlined a strategic vision centred on enhancing the welfare of officers and inmates while leveraging agriculture and industrialisation to create a self-sustaining correctional system.
This includes large-scale agricultural projects focused on food production, poultry and animal farming, to ensure food security within the prison system and contribute to the national food basket.
Beyond agriculture, she announced plans to expand industrial ventures for both officers and prisoners to equip them with skills for wealth creation.
Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie was sworn into office on March 17, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama, officially assuming leadership of the Prisons Service. As part of her induction at a church service in Accra last Friday, she also took a Vow of Office, marking her official commitment to the responsibilities of her new role.
The ceremony featured scripture readings and a sermon, setting a solemn and reflective tone as family, friends, and loved ones gathered to give thanks for her appointment.
A thanksgiving choir led the congregation in uplifting hymns, while a regimental band provided stirring musical interludes, adding a ceremonial touch to the occasion.
The atmosphere was filled with euphoria, as attendees cheered, applauded and expressed their joy over Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie’s elevation to the top post.
The event was attended by the top brass of the Prisons Service, alongside a distinguished gathering of state officials, former Director-Generals, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, and the clergy.
Dressed in a bright yellow ceremonial uniform with black accents, she exuded authority and grace.
Her attire featured gold epaulettes, a braided aiguillette and a structured belt, with a matching cap adorned with a gold braid and emblem.
Outside the church hall, a traditional cultural group put up a vibrant display of drumming and dancing, blending Ghanaian heritage with the day’s celebrations.
Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie acknowledged the challenges faced by prison officers and assured them that her administration would work to address these concerns, describing the profession as the most stressful globally but less paid.
On modernisation, the Director-General of Prisons stated that the service would embark on a comprehensive modernisation and expansion agenda, ensuring that officers receive training aligned with modern correctional practices.
On corrections and rehabilitation, Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie emphasised the service’s commitment to creating an environment that fosters personal growth and reintegration.
She stated that her vision was to lead the service towards excellence in rehabilitation and custodial care, ultimately contributing to public safety.
Rev. Dr Godwin Tito Agyei urged individuals to always do their best, using the biblical story of the woman who poured perfume on Jesus’ feet as an example of devotion and purpose.
He encouraged focus, perseverance, and ignoring naysayers, assuring that God defends and elevates those who seize opportunities and work diligently.
Reflecting on the journey of Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, he praised her for rising through the ranks and enduring the long haul with dedication.
He gave an assurance that when people take advantage of their opportunities and give their best, God will turn things around and elevate them.
The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, also delivered a sermonette emphasising the importance of focused leadership.
He cautioned that many leaders become distracted by the privileges of their positions rather than staying committed to their responsibilities.
Such leaders, he said, ended up serving themselves rather than the institutions and nations that entrusted them with leadership.
